Morning Routine

As you are likely aware, how we begin our day has an impact on how the day unfolds. When we start the day tired and unpleasant, we are generally less motivated to do the things that are difficult. However, when we begin the day after a great sleep and follow a routine that builds our energy/excitement for what lies ahead, feeling motivated is much more likely.

Much like firmly understanding your goals, dreams and desires have a significant impact on how you approach your daily life, having a morning routine that will allow you to wake up excited to start the day is a game changer.

All that said, a good morning routine begins the night before with a night routine as it helps to clear the clutter from the mind. The last thing we want to be doing is worrying about the plans for the next day as we try to retire for the night. The second we wake up in the morning, that’s the moment the morning routine begins. Our first thought is important, so why not make it impactful. Our first action will build momentum for the day, so ensuring that this action will lead to more positive behaviours will set the standard so to speak.

Let’s look at a morning routine that may work for you. Keep in mind, this is an example. You can use this information to build a template that will fit with your schedule.

First Thought – In my experience, the first thought we have can set the standard for the day. Think back to how you feel each time you think about how tired you are, or how worried you are about a meeting you have that day.
Imagine how your day would change if you simply changed your energy state, your language and your expectations.
To start each day, focus your attention on the fact that you have another day to experience! You get to see new things, spend time with those you love, do the work that you enjoy or try something new. An attitude of gratitude to begin the day is the foundation that can positively impact your life and the lives of those you interact with.

Affirmations – The next thing I will do is spend about 5-10 minutes listening to some positive affirmations while focusing on my breath. During this time I close my eyes and try to embody the feelings that are connected to the words and as I do so, I visualize things like health, wellness, love, abundance, fun, growth, friendship and connection. This time can also be spent in quiet contemplation, prayer or meditation. The purpose of this time is to sit quietly while consciously embodying the energy connected to your thoughts, dreams and aspirations.

3 Things – Now that you are in a heightened state of gratitude/appreciation for the day, it’s time to think about 3 things you are looking forward to this day. It could be as simple as a warm coffee or as elaborate as working on a dream that you have been working on for years.

2 Ways – This is the point where I think about two ways in which I can step outside the box. Perhaps it’s in the way I communicate to others, or maybe it is finally signing up to do that thing you have been putting off for years. One other way this practice works is to think about 2 ways you can be of service to others. Again, it can be a small gesture like holding the door for someone, or it can be offering your neighbour to help with their deck. Either way, stepping outside of the box and serving others are great ways to grow yourself while positively impacting those around you.

1 Person – Who would you like to connect to today? Perhaps it’s an old friend, maybe it’s the business contact you were looking forward to learning more from. Regardless of who the person is, approach this practice with no agenda other than connection. When we show others we are genuinely interested in them and the work they do, we build stronger relationships. With stronger relationships we are healthier and in the future, who knows, that person you decided to connect to will one day reach out.

Movement – By This time I have been awake for about 10-15 minutes. If you have the time to do so, it’s great to spend this time in a quiet place, however it can work as you go about your morning preparations to head off to work.
If you gave the ability to include some movement into your morning, this is a great way to stretch out after sleeping all night and it will build your energy to move throughout the day. Even 5 minutes of flowing movement such as tai-chi or yoga will positively impact your blood flow and mobility.

What does your morning routine involve? How can you see a morning routine helping you?

Feel free to comment below, your learning may be the one thing someone else needs to move them forward.